Thursday, January 8, 2009

Dive into Python or Digital Filmmaking for Teens

Dive into Python

Author: Mark Pilgrim

Python is a new and innovative scripting language. It is set to replace Perl as the programming language of choice for shell scripters, and for serious application developers who want a feature-rich, yet simple language to deploy their products.

"Dive Into Python" is a hands-on guide to the Python language. Each chapter starts with a real, complete code sample, proceeds to pick it apart and explain the pieces, and then puts it all back together in a summary at the end.

This is the perfect resource for you if you like to jump into languages fast and get going right away. If you're just starting to learn Python, first pick up a copy of Magnus Lie Hetland's "Practical Python" (Apress, 2002).

About the Author:

Mark Pilgrim is an accessibility architect in the IBM Emerging Technologies Group. He is the author of several technical books, including Dive Into Accessibility, a free online tutorial on web accessibility. He lives in North Carolina with his wife and newborn son, and spends his copious free time sunbathing, skydiving, and reading Immanuel Kant's Critique of Pure Reason.

Practical Python

This is the perfect resource for you if you like to jump into languages fast and get going right away. If you're just starting to learn Python, first pick up a copy of Magnus Lie Hetland's.

Slashdot.org

Dive Into Python may be one of the thinnest programming language books on my shelf, but it's also one of the best. Whether you're an experienced programmer looking to get into Python or grizzled Python veteran who remembers the days when you had to import the string module, Dive Into Python is your "desert island" Python book.

Digital Filmmaking for Teens

Author: Pete Shaner

You don't have to invest a small fortune, own expensive gear, and employ an army of technicians to create a movie. Today's high-tech tools will fit in your backpack and don't require the financial backing of a major movie studio, making this the first generation in the history of moviemaking that doesn't have to beg for big bucks to put its stories on the screen. "Digital Filmmaking for Teens" emphasizes Hollywood-style moviemaking, the way the pros do it. You'll learn how to tell your story on a budget, using tips from industry veterans. Not sure where to start? No problem. You'll cover each step-from developing your idea and writing a script to planning for production, shooting, and editing. "Digital Filmmaking for Teens" includes an amazing DVD packed with advice, instructional videos, and examples.

School Library Journal

Gr 7 Up-The highlight of this guide is the DVD included in the package with which one can watch some films made by teens in a workshop in New York. One of the first pieces of advice is that the majority of filmmaking time will be spent editing. Knowing this information makes the film samples even more fascinating and the contents are given perspective, for only 2 of the 10 chapters are specifically about shooting the film. The other sections describe equipment, storyboarding, lighting, planning, editing, adding music, and releasing the film. Chapters are organized into a series of how-to instructions embedded with definitions, tips, and notes. Images and components seem contradictorily static and colorless for a catalyst for creativity; however, the instructions and suggestions are meticulously documented and easy to follow. This book is for novices and for filmmakers who wish to learn a bit more, and could serve as a superb guide for filmmaking at home or as a text for a class. Teens are the target audience, though this title will be useful to all who wish to produce their own digital movies.-Jodi Kearns, University of Akron, OH Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Table of Contents:

Introduction

xiii

Chapter 1

What's Your Project?

1

Don't Think Outside the Box-Blow It Open!

1

It's All About DV

2

The Two (or Three) Big-Ticket Items

4

Output Hardware

8

Other Gear

8

Where to Borrow It

10

You Can Start Right Now

11

Chapter 2

Pick a Story

13

Your Three Main Choices

14

Narrative

14

Documentary

15

Performance

17

What Makes a Good Screen Story?

18

Conflict: The Essence of Drama

20

Thinking Visually: Avoiding the Dreaded Talking Head

20

Emotion: The Prize at the Bottom of the Box

22

Your Screen Story Checklist

22

Get It in Writing

23

Get to Know Your Camcorder

25

Chapter 3

Getting the Basics

25

How Camcorders Work

26

Exposure

27

Focus

28

Zoom

28

Depth of Field

30

Hands-On Camcorder Tips

30

Special Modes for Special Circumstances

37

LP Recording Speed

38

Spotlight Mode

38

Sand & Snow

38

Digital Zoom

38

Variable Shutter Speed

38

Semi-Auto Modes

39

Alternate Frame Rates and Scanning Modes

39

Widescreen Aspect Ratio

39

Digital Effects

40

How to Hold Your Camcorder

40

Where's the Light?

40

Controlling Contrast

41

Showing the Audience Where to Look

41

The Principle of Three-Point Lighting

42

Hard or Soft Light?

42

Color Balance

43

Lighting Tips

43

Follow the Guerilla's Code-Improvise!

46

Tactic 1

Shoot on Overcast Days

46

Tactic 2

Move into the Shade

46

Tactic 3

Cheat the Sun

46

Getting Good Production Sound

47

Audio Perspective

47

Audio Levels

53

Noise

54

Plan, Then Shoot

54

Chapter 4

Planning Your Movie

55

Making Choices

56

What Are the Basic Decisions?

57

What Does the Story Need?

57

Breaking Down the Script

59

Where Can We Shoot?

61

What Shots Do We Want?

63

Types of Shots

64

Your Goal-Get Coverage

70

How Long Will It Take?

71

How Will We Get It All?

72

Do We Need to Rehearse?

74

Chapter 5

Shoot It!

75

Things You Must Control

75

Controlling Light

77

Things to Keep in Mind on the Set: Lighting

81

Controlling Sound

82

Wear Headphones

83

Watch the Mic

85

Things to Keep in Mind on the Set: Sound

87

Working with Actors

88

Things to Keep in Mind on the Set: Working with Actors

91

Getting Results from Your Crew

92

Things to Keep in Mind on the Set: Working with Your Crew

94

Get Your Shots: It's All About Coverage

95

Shooting Action

97

Tips on Getting Coverage for Documentaries and Music Videos Spike Your Actors